Pure Michigan Blog

How to Select the Perfect Pure Michigan Christmas Tree

The distinct fragrance of fresh cut Christmas trees is part of what makes the holiday season so special and memorable. Today, Marsha Gray from the Michigan Christmas Tree Association gives us some insider tips on how to select the perfect Pure Michigan Christmas tree.

Every year, Michigan families have a big choice to make…real or fake. I don’t even have to tell you that I am talking about Christmas trees….you knew that was where this was headed! Although many consumers have gone the artificial route, there are millions of Michiganders who wouldn’t celebrate with anything less than the real thing. Maybe because they love the tradition that is so deeply ingrained in our Michigan heritage or perhaps it’s that amazing fragrance that you just can’t get anywhere else. No matter the reason or motivation, Michigan consumers will head out this season in search of the perfect tree.

Because Michigan is the third largest producer of Christmas trees in the US and because we grow more varieties than any other state, Michigan consumers have an abundance of choices when it comes to selecting a tree. Will it be a Fraser fir, a spruce or maybe a traditional Michigan scotch pine? The wide variety of choices insures that you will find just what you are looking for. And, with so many knowledgeable growers here, they can guide you to a tree that meets your needs.

At Michigan’s “Choose & Cut” farms, you can spend as much time as you like, walking among the trees; taking in the fresh air and evergreen fragrance. Once your family finds the perfect tree, there is the perfect chance to get a great family photo with the tree. (And maybe a funny photo of the lucky one who gets to saw it down!) After the work is done, many of the farms offer a warm up with hot chocolate by a wood burning stove or bon fire. Wagon rides, farm animals and even visits from Santa are common at many of the farms.

Whether you are cutting down your own tree or picking a beautiful Michigan-grown tree at a retail lot, consumers are urged to follow a few simple rules to keep their Christmas tree fresh and beautiful for the whole season:

Give your tree a fresh cut. If you are cutting down your own tree, you are all set. If you buy a pre-cut tree, the lot operator will typically give your tree a fresh cut. This is the most critical step, as it opens up the base of the tree so that it can take up water.

Get your tree into water within a few hours. If you are not displaying the tree immediately, place it in a bucket of water in the garage or another protected area.

Check the water level daily – twice each day on the first few days. Never let the water level drop below the base of the tree trunk. No additives needed – just plain water.